Review: Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

February 20, 2012

About the Book

Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

Rosslyn Elliott is the award-winning author of Fairer than Morning, the first in the Saddler’s Legacy series. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in English from Emory University. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue writing fiction. Elliott lives in Albuquerque, where she homeschools her daughter and works in children’s ministry.

Rosslyn Elliott’s sophomore novel continues the generational saga of the Hanby family and brings to life the story of their footprint in American history during the Underground Railroad and Abolitionist Movement. Rosslyn’s succeeds in making the historical and societal context approachable and tangible. Her writing engages the mind whilst wooing the heart as her words shoot true like arrows of truth. Readers can effortlessly immerse themselves completely owing to the diligent attention to detail and Rossylyn’s talent for presenting it so articulately. Ben and Kate’s passion for freedom radiates off the pages and their courage is inspiring. The aftereffects of this book are lingering as its message finds relevance in readers lives.

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